Monday, March 5

This is how the guys hunted from a tree blind – near a water hole – looking for a warthog for Jared and a Impala for Ian.

Meanwhile back at the farm I enjoyed watching the monkeys running away from the kitchen area where they came for left-over food and things that Kate and Steffie throw out for them.

Kate and Kristen went through the suitcases of things Jere and Kristen brought for Holy Family Care Centre – a place of safety for orphans and children whose parents cannot care for them. There were toys – like deflated balls and lots of items from a local dentist. The boys inflated the balls before we went to the care centre.

Kate asked if she could have a few items for their helpers families (Nelson, Victor, Steffie, and Fisana), which pleased us greatly.

There was one whole suitcase of medical supplies (Kristen is a nurse, so that is a passion of hers.) We could tell that it was examined at most airports, but nothing was removed. Kristen labeled each item – not for sale – and had a letter of explanation as to how these items would be used.

Kate took the ladies and Jesse on safari in the middle of the afternoon.

Impala

The rhinos were looking for shade on this hot afternoon.

Notice its ears. They can turn them in opposite directions.

There were oxpeckers on many of the rhinos – looking for bugs.

There were a lot of rhinos at the waterhole wallowing in the mud. The mud is a natural sunblock and bug repellent.

African Geese also hung out at the waterhole.

We also saw a few Vervet monkeys.

Going through a gate in the electric fence that surrounds their property. The gates open in a way similar to a garage door – with a remote.

Back at the house

Steffie and Fisana were preparing the outside dining area for supper.

While they prepared supper Kristen and I went on a walk with Kate – outside the fence that surrounded camp.

Kate stopped every now and then to show us signs of the natives who lived here before there were game preserves. It has been 120 years since natives lived on this land. Kate lovingly preserves those places.

Now I know what the animals see when I am photographing them from our chalet – on the other side of the electric fence.

Rhino footprints

Kate explained a few more items that were used by natives for cooking and grinding grain.

Squash prepared for supper

Jana reading a book in “her” spot in the outside seating area.

When the men pulled into the Toyota’s parking area, we knew that neither Ian or Jared had a successful hunt.

Supper

Kate makes delicious bread. The meat was chicken.

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What a fun and exciting first full day with Phil and Kate.